Business Studies

Business Studies is taught in one of three purpose-built Computer Suites, each containing 30+ PCs. The school runs a Citrix Server system enabling students to use any computer to access their personal password protected user space. This also allows students to be able to access their work and programs from home if they have an internet connected PC or Mac.

KS4

In Years 10 and 11 students can opt to take a BTEC First Extended Certificate in Business. This qualification is a vocational award that encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning whilst being supported by their teacher. The course gives a balanced introduction to the World of Business including Finance, Brand Promotion, Trends, Taxation and the Procedure of Starting a Business.

The BTEC course is assessed through a variety of assignments using case studies, projects and presentations. BTEC assignments will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. A BTEC First Certificate in Business is equivalent to one GCSE at grade A*-C.

In order to achieve the BTEC First Extended Certificate the students are required to complete 4 Core Units. The assignments will be given throughout the course and each assignment will have a deadline.

Unit 1 Enterprise In the Business World

Students will study their suitability for running a business and then go through the stages of setting up their own. This will include Finance, Business Purposes, Communication and types of company which are suitable for a small business. They will compare their idea to similar businesses in the marketplace and plan a marketing campaign.

Unit 2 Finance for Business

The focus of this unit is the preparation of simple financial records for a business. Students will learn why profit is so important and how firms calculate profit. Students will develop an understanding of how to prepare simple Cash Flow Forecasts and will learn about the importance of cash flow for a business.

Unit 3 Promoting a Brand

This unit aims to give students the understanding and skills needed to consider the marketing and promotion plans used by businesses. Students will learn about the fundamental marketing concepts that any entrepreneur needs to master.

Unit 5 Sales and Personal Selling

Students will study the role of sales staff: selling and providing information. This will include:

understanding the knowledge which sales staff should have of, for example, products

legislation and motivation

KS5

BTEC level 3 Extended Certificate in Business is offered in the Sixth Form and consists of four units, three are compulsory. Unit 1 – Exploring Business, Unit 2 – Developing a Marketing Campaign (examination) and Unit 3 – Personal and Business Finance (examination) are compulsory units, two of which are studied in Year 12. The option unit will be chosen from the following list:

Unit 8 – The Recruitment and Selection Process

Unit 14 – Investigating Customer Service

Unit 22 – Market Research

Unit 23 – The English Legal System

Unit 27 – Work Experience in Business

The Faculty Leader is Mr I Price to whom all queries regarding Business Studies at JMHS should be made.